What we do
- As a membership organisation, our mission is to sensitize and empower Nigerians on the issues of climate change, maritime safety and sustainable community development.
- Our vision is to contribute to the process of sustainable environment in Nigeria
The Strategy is focussed on policy advocacy, not working mitigation and adaptation measures, promoting networking and partnership as well as embarking on research studies to support baseline information and data management on climate change, maritime safety and community development.
Our Activites so far
As part of our direct intervention, Water Safety Nigeria has embarked on various initiatives in Nigeria. They are;
- Sensitization / Awareness campaigns on maritime safety in the riverrine communnities in the Niger Delta region with support from National Inland Waterway Authority(NIWA). Nigeria.
- Donation of safety jackets to institutions, associations and communities to aid their safety on the sea. There are ; Maritime Academy of Nigeria,Oron, Bakassi Speed Boat Transport Association, Mbo Marine Transport Association. Calabar Waterfront Speed Boat Operators, Uya-oron Community Development Association, etc
- Two-days training workshop for Boat Operators in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Cross River States on Safe Boating and Marine Protection
- Climate Change Awareness and Tree planting Campaigns in Secondary Schools in Akwa lbom State. The highpoint was the inauguration of climate change clubs.
- Pre-COP15 Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum for Akwa Ibom State delegation to the 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference, Copenhagen, Denmark in collaboration with Ministry of Environment & Minerals Resources
- Water Safety Initiative Foundation participated actively in the 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Copenhagen. Denmark.
- Collaborating CBO for UNIDO Projects on Restoration of Coniunctive and Sustainable Native Mangrove and Utilization of Nypa Palm in Cross River Estuary in Nigeria.
- Capacity Building/ Train-the-Trainers workshop for Batch B Corps members serving in the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Environment & Mineral Resources.
- Marking of the 2011 World Environment Day (WED) Celebration at Federal Technical & Science College, Uyo.
- Water Safety Nigeria is currently collaborating with the Government of Akwa Ibom State to implement programmes and activities to address climate change issues in the State.
In-coming programmes for 2011 workplan
Boating - frequently asked questions
Q: When and why should I check the weather conditions before I go out boating?
A thorough check of weather conditions is vital every time one goes boating. This includes having an appreciation of how the conditions may change throughout the day. A forecast change in weather for example may result in relatively calm conditions in the morning turning into potentially dangerous conditions in the afternoon.
Make sure your vessel is appropriate for the conditions and that you have the necessary experience to handle the forecast conditions. Remember if in doubt, don’t go out.
Q: I’ve been boating for years and can swim OK, do I still need to wear a life jacket?
Life jackets are an important safety item on any boat and there should be one on board for each person, and Waterways recommends that children and poor swimmers wear one at all times when afloat.
Make sure that your life jacket is in good condition, accessible and ready for use because a life jacket stowed under an anchor chain will not do the job it was designed for and that is to help save a life.
Q: Is it OK to have a few beers when out on the water in a boat?
The combination of wind waves and weather can multiply the effects of alcohol and collectively are known as ‘boater fatigue’. Persons with ‘boater fatigue’ are at a greater risk of drowning should they fall into the water and that goes equally for skipper, crew or passenger.
The blood alcohol limits are the same on the water as on our roads. A person in charge of a vessel must keep under the 0.05 blood alcohol limit and for commercial vessel operators and persons under the age of 18, the lower blood alcohol limit of 0.02 applies.